Poll: U.S. power has declined

Americans view of the U.S. as a global power has reached a historic low, a new poll shows.

For the first time in nearly 40 years, a majority — 53 percent — think the U.S. plays a less important and less powerful role as a world leader than it did a decade ago, according to a Pew Research Center poll, released Wednesday.

Text Size

-

+

reset

This figure is up 12 points since 2009 and up 33 points from 20 percent since 2004. Only 17 percent believe the country plays an important role.

Also, for the first time since 1964, more than half agree the U.S. should “mind its own business internationally and let other countries get along the best they can on their own.” This is up 6 points from 46 percent in May 2011.

Additionally, 70 percent say the country is less respected globally than in the past. Pew notes this figure is almost equal to the 71 percent reached in May 2008 toward the end of former President George W. Bush’s second term and is up from 56 percent early last year.

The poll also highlights the challenges President Barack Obama is facing on foreign policy in addition to his domestic agenda.

A majority of 56 percent of respondents disapprove of Obama’s handling of foreign policy, compared with 34 percent who approve.

The president, who has dealt with an array of foreign policy issues this year, is not gaining much confidence with the public as Pew notes that there are wide margins of disapproval on the president’s handling of Syria, Iran, China and Afghanistan.

However, a majority approve of Obama’s job performance on terrorism, 51 percent to 44 percent.

The Pew poll was conducted Oct. 30-Nov. 6 and surveyed 2,003 adults with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points.